QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable
Usage Guide
Amplifier
Blu-Ray
Computers
DAC
Playstation
Projector
SoundBar
TVs
XBOX
Streamers
Connection Guide
Toslink Optical
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Item code: QED Reference Optical
Inc. VAT (20%) · Ex. VAT: £107.50 Ex. VAT · Inc. VAT (20%):
Lowest price in the last 30 days:
Request to Price Match
If you've seen a better offer for this product, we will endeavour to match it. The competing offer must be on brand-new boxed items, and in stock from another UK Online Authorised Retailer (excluding marketplaces). Price match quotations are valid for 7 days.
SPEAKER CABLES:
A quantity of 2 means you will receive a pair of speaker cables e.g. for your front left and front right speakers. By entering a quantity of 1, you will get a cable for a single speaker e.g. centre speaker and this option also enables you to vary the length (and termination) of your cable for each speaker.
OTHER CABLES:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive a single cable in the case of aerial, satellite, subwoofer, digital coaxial & optical cables and a pair of cables in the case of 2 rca to 2 rca analogue audio cables.
NON-CABLE PRODUCTS:
A quantity of 1 means you will receive 1 of the specified products.
Order before 12pm (Mon–Fri) for same-day dispatch
QED Reference Optical Quartz
QED's Reference Optical Quartz Cable is built with 210 separate Glasscore™ (boro-silicate glass) fibres that produce straighter signal paths, delivering ultra-low jitter signal transfer. The result is a clear, open sound.
What QED say
QED's superior toslink optical digital audio interconnect cable made with real glass Reference Optical Quartz is the first of its kind, consisting of 210 separate boro-silicate glass fibres.
The cable allows you to experience stunning sound when connecting DACs, TV’s, CD players and Blu-Ray players to amplifiers or receivers because it has a much higher bandwidth and only 1/10th of the attenuation of traditional acrylic fibres. Reference Optical Quartz vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel digital audio with a bandwidth of over 150MHz which is totally unaffected by bending the cable.
 |
 |
PMMA Optical FibresA typical optical fibre is made of an acrylic glass material known as PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate). This acrylic core allows the light to take many different length paths through it. Timing differences are introduced – accounting for typically up to 145ps of Jitter.Signal losses also occur when light is incident above the Critical Angle and is not reflected back (Yellow). |
Reference Optical QuartzReference Optical Quartz has in excess of 210 Glasscore™ fibres each thinner than a human hair. This ensures ultra low jitter because the smaller numerical aperture reduces the range of angles of acceptance leading to straighter signal paths. |
Glasscore Technology
QED's new Glasscore™ technology employs multiple fibre bundles of ultra-fine boro-silicate glass optical fibres (GOF) of no more than 50um each to make up the 1mm diameter necessary to conform to the Toslink standard connectors. Because the fibres are so small the different paths taken by the light rays are similar in length virtually eliminating the timing error and introducing less distortion and jitter. This has the effect of increasing bandwidth and the accuracy of the data transmission.
Stepped Refractive Index
The quartz fibres are coated with a cladding of low Refractive Index to guide the light signal.
Over 150MHz Bandwidth
This vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel HD digital audio. In contrast to conventional acrylic glass optical cables quartz glass cables can deliver signals up to and including 24bit/192kHz with very low jitter . Reference Optical Quartz can provide a much higher bandwidth than a single acrylic glass fibre with 1/10th of the attenuation.
Ultra Low Jitter/ Ultra Low Loss
QED have calculated that jitter (distortions caused by timing differences between the different light paths) in conventional optical cables could typically reach up to 145ps. In Reference Optical Quartz, timing errors are virtually eliminated, introducing less distortion, jitter and ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m.
 |
Glasscore™ TechnologyInstead of using traditional low performance polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic optical fibres (POF) which come as a single 1mm OD fibre the cable incorporates 210+ boro-silcate glass optical fibres (GOF) which give improved jitter performance and higher bandwidth capability. |
 |
Ultra Low JitterJitter is the undesired deviation from true periodicity of an assumed periodic signal in electronics and telecommunications, often in relation to a reference clock source. A cable displaying ultra low jitter has been measured attypically 30ps. |
|
|
|
"The Nano-Platinum Eclipse incorporates a few of Wireworld's patented cable technology solutions. The cable features two 27 gauge conductors with eight strands of OOC-7n solid silver in their patented DNA Helix configuration." (Read More) Cable Review - Hi-Fi World - September 2016
|
Specification :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
About QED Cables 
QED is an award winning British company with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual connectivity industry.
In 1973 Bob Abraham and Ian Vine founded QED Audio Products and changed the way people think about hi-fi cables. By the time QED 79 strand speaker cable was launched in 1978, it wasn’t looked upon as ‘just another speaker cable’ but was instead regarded as a serious hi-fi component, making a fundamental change in the way people thought about cables.
QED's reputation for innovation and technical excellence is known throughout the world. The latest computer-aided design techniques allow their research and development team to keep pace with technological advances and deliver products that achieve the highest levels of performance and reliability. This is why QED products are recommended by so many of the world’s leading hi-fi and home theatre equipment manufacturers.
QED offer a range of connectivity products spanning from both consumer and installation cables, wireless products and switching devices to satisfy every audio visual need.
QED is Europe's number one award winning connectivity brand and has won more prestigious cable awards from ‘What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision’ magazine than any other brand (Awards 1981–2013).
Specification :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 1000g | £ 3.95 |
| 1000g – 1400g | £ 4.95 |
| 1400g – 1800g | £ 5.95 |
| 1800g – 2000g | £ 6.95 |
| 2000g – 3000g | £ 8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe.
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
QED Reference Optical Quartz
QED's Reference Optical Quartz Cable is built with 210 separate Glasscore™ (boro-silicate glass) fibres that produce straighter signal paths, delivering ultra-low jitter signal transfer. The result is a clear, open sound.
What QED say
QED's superior toslink optical digital audio interconnect cable made with real glass Reference Optical Quartz is the first of its kind, consisting of 210 separate boro-silicate glass fibres.
The cable allows you to experience stunning sound when connecting DACs, TV’s, CD players and Blu-Ray players to amplifiers or receivers because it has a much higher bandwidth and only 1/10th of the attenuation of traditional acrylic fibres. Reference Optical Quartz vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel digital audio with a bandwidth of over 150MHz which is totally unaffected by bending the cable.
|
|
PMMA Optical FibresA typical optical fibre is made of an acrylic glass material known as PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate). This acrylic core allows the light to take many different length paths through it. Timing differences are introduced – accounting for typically up to 145ps of Jitter.Signal losses also occur when light is incident above the Critical Angle and is not reflected back (Yellow). |
Reference Optical QuartzReference Optical Quartz has in excess of 210 Glasscore™ fibres each thinner than a human hair. This ensures ultra low jitter because the smaller numerical aperture reduces the range of angles of acceptance leading to straighter signal paths. |
Glasscore Technology
QED's new Glasscore™ technology employs multiple fibre bundles of ultra-fine boro-silicate glass optical fibres (GOF) of no more than 50um each to make up the 1mm diameter necessary to conform to the Toslink standard connectors. Because the fibres are so small the different paths taken by the light rays are similar in length virtually eliminating the timing error and introducing less distortion and jitter. This has the effect of increasing bandwidth and the accuracy of the data transmission.
Stepped Refractive Index
The quartz fibres are coated with a cladding of low Refractive Index to guide the light signal.
Over 150MHz Bandwidth
This vastly exceeds the demands for high definition multi-channel HD digital audio. In contrast to conventional acrylic glass optical cables quartz glass cables can deliver signals up to and including 24bit/192kHz with very low jitter . Reference Optical Quartz can provide a much higher bandwidth than a single acrylic glass fibre with 1/10th of the attenuation.
Ultra Low Jitter/ Ultra Low Loss
QED have calculated that jitter (distortions caused by timing differences between the different light paths) in conventional optical cables could typically reach up to 145ps. In Reference Optical Quartz, timing errors are virtually eliminated, introducing less distortion, jitter and ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m.
|
Glasscore™ TechnologyInstead of using traditional low performance polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic optical fibres (POF) which come as a single 1mm OD fibre the cable incorporates 210+ boro-silcate glass optical fibres (GOF) which give improved jitter performance and higher bandwidth capability. |
|
Ultra Low JitterJitter is the undesired deviation from true periodicity of an assumed periodic signal in electronics and telecommunications, often in relation to a reference clock source. A cable displaying ultra low jitter has been measured attypically 30ps. |
|
|
|
"The Nano-Platinum Eclipse incorporates a few of Wireworld's patented cable technology solutions. The cable features two 27 gauge conductors with eight strands of OOC-7n solid silver in their patented DNA Helix configuration." (Read More) Cable Review - Hi-Fi World - September 2016
|
Specification :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
About QED Cables
QED is an award winning British company with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual connectivity industry.
In 1973 Bob Abraham and Ian Vine founded QED Audio Products and changed the way people think about hi-fi cables. By the time QED 79 strand speaker cable was launched in 1978, it wasn’t looked upon as ‘just another speaker cable’ but was instead regarded as a serious hi-fi component, making a fundamental change in the way people thought about cables.
QED's reputation for innovation and technical excellence is known throughout the world. The latest computer-aided design techniques allow their research and development team to keep pace with technological advances and deliver products that achieve the highest levels of performance and reliability. This is why QED products are recommended by so many of the world’s leading hi-fi and home theatre equipment manufacturers.
QED offer a range of connectivity products spanning from both consumer and installation cables, wireless products and switching devices to satisfy every audio visual need.
QED is Europe's number one award winning connectivity brand and has won more prestigious cable awards from ‘What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision’ magazine than any other brand (Awards 1981–2013).
Specification :
- Unique boro-silicate glass construction
- Highly flexible 210 x 50 micron optical fibre bundle
- Bandwidth >150MHz
- Ultra low jitter
- Stepped refractive index
- Ultra low loss < 0.03 dB/m
- QED Lifetime Guarantee
We use Royal Mail 1st Class services for our Standard Delivery.
Orders received before 4.30 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. This does not apply to custom-length cables and speaker cables as these require a longer timescale to terminate. This also excludes all cables selected for the burn-in service. Please note, we do not process orders on national holidays in the UK. Over 98% of our orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays. In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Future Shop. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD Local or DHL for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order subject to stock availability. For international orders, we use FedEx or DHL services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths may be subject to longer deliver time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at Future Shop
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
UK Postal & Delivery Charges - FIRST CLASS
Free UK delivery on all orders over £99*
| Weight | Price (FIRST CLASS UK POSTAGE) |
|---|---|
| 0000g – 1000g | £ 3.95 |
| 1000g – 1400g | £ 4.95 |
| 1400g – 1800g | £ 5.95 |
| 1800g – 2000g | £ 6.95 |
| 2000g – 3000g | £ 8.95 |
* Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or DHL next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or DHL.
Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by Future Shop by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are not subject to 20% VAT after December 31st 2020 and therefore the 20% VAT on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
The customer will be liable for the VAT at the local VAT rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee if applicable. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7-10 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe.
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the UK are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you log-in, register or proceed to place an order.
If applicable, the customer will be liable for the taxes at the local tax rate, duty on the import and the brokerage service fee. This may need to be paid in advance to your local Customs & Excise office or the delivery company before your order can be delivered.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 7 to 10 working days.
- Royal Mail Standard International Mail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets at our discretion.
We reserve the right to change your shipping method without notification if you select a method that we cannot use for your shipment (for instance, we cannot ship via postal services for items over 2 Kg to International destinations). If we need to change your shipping method, we will choose the least expensive shipping method for your order.
Write Your Own Review
QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable
We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.
Please do:
- - Write 50-300 words for the product
- - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
- - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
- - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
The QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable receives consistently positive feedback for delivering audible improvements in sound quality across diverse audio systems. Customers report significant enhancements in detail, clarity, soundstage width, and bass definition when upgrading from cheaper optical or coaxial cables, with many describing the sonic improvement as dramatic or revelatory. Build quality is praised as excellent, with robust construction and premium materials. Users appreciate its performance across multiple source types—CD transports, streamers, and set-top boxes—and note it works well with high-end equipment from brands like Musical Fidelity, Chord, and Audiolab. Futureshop's service and shipping receive consistent commendation. Two isolated issues emerged: one customer experienced stuttering at 192kHz playback, while another noted the cable's revealing nature may expose shortcomings in source components. No recurring negative themes regarding durability, fit, or widespread compatibility problems were identified.
Also at the same time with QED performance graphite coaxial and with a Digilog, it's possible to switch between the two while listening.
I cannot believe the difference in detail and sound quality. After being a Coaxial and RCA user, it is always better. I'm now convinced of optical. It's not quite up to my Linn Sondek on some LPs, but I now mainly play CDs, and a lot of them do sound better than most LPs, especially with classical and Jazz music.
My Amp is a Musical Fidelity A1001 Class A Super Integrated amplifier. My speakers are Kef Reference 104-2s, and at last, I have the system sounding absolutely stunning using the QED optical glass quartz.
I highly recommend giving it a go.
Low jitter and attenuation. Well made.
The service from Futureshop was exemplary as always!
Unbeatable price and quality!!!
Punch-Bass is tight, vocals are mellow, and the sound range is wider than before. I hope the sound will be better after the burn-in!
I don’t know why the sound of my equipment using optical fibre cables is better than that of coaxial cables. In the past, I used Audioquest Eagle Eye coaxial and an optical that cost about US$40. I always feel that the sound of the optical fibre cable is more pleasant to my ears, so I invested in Optical (bought this QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable). Sure enough, optical fibre has better sound than coaxial in my system.
Mine is LEAK wooden cdt+ Cambridge DAC 200M to Amplifier. Although fewer people use optical fibre cables now than before, and they have switched to coaxial cables (some cdt/cd without optical output), No matter what, I am very satisfied now!
Thank you to the Future Shop for the fast shipping and service!
More detailed sound!
I had bad experiences in the past with other optical cables as they changed the sound into a really cold, kind of ear-screeching sound, but this was different. Also, Futureshop packed the goods so well that I received the cable with no harm. Very good seller.
Highly recommended.
Details and new layers appear.
Missing Link/Vinyl Passion Dark Art 75 Ohm £90 (0.75m)
QED Reference Optical £87.95 (1m)
Gothic Audio Pure Silver Harmonic 75 Ohm £145 (1m)
I will use these cables with a CXC CD transport, Denon PMA-A110 amp, Slingshot speaker cable, and Monitor Audio Silver 8 speakers (not as revealing as the MA Gold 300 on my main system).
I don't know whether "burn-in" is a thing. For reference, the Dark Art is run-in, and the Gothic is brand new and burnt-in with (new) optical, so it shouldn't be an issue.
Dark Art 75 Ohm vs QED Reference Optical
I found that the sound was similar. The Dark Art was slightly veiled, dark-toned and flat by comparison, and I preferred the QED, but the difference was only slender.
QED Reference Optical vs Gothic Pure Silver 75 Ohm
I had high hopes that the Gothic would reveal something I didn't realise was missing with the other cables. However, confirmation bias was on strike, and it sounded just like the QED Optical. I couldn't really tell the difference. If anything, it was marginal.
I concluded the QED just about edged it, but I wouldn't be confident calling which was which in a blind test.
Happy with product, service and delivery time.
Vocals are more precise, the base is definitive, and I hear different instruments in soundtracks. Great cable and worth the investment.
Impression? Excellent. Revelatory. My transport/ DAC nearly give my T/T a run for the post. Detail, depth, neutrality, no artificial flavours, never top-heavy. No more digitally derived 'tired ears'.
It is a bit more expensive but worth it.
I don't know how you did it but well worth it.
The biggest change was in the bass. Deeper and better defined. Gave the sound more substance. Not just in films but across the board. Mids and treble clearer and easier to listen to. I was shocked at the quality of the sound available on Sky. The cables are not cheap, but worth every penny. Highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did you find what you were looking for?
Write Your Own Review
QED Reference Optical Quartz Cable
We are interested in your opinion of this product. let us and other customers know how you feel by filling in the comment field below. Your review will appear in this section within 3 working days.
Please do:
- - Write 50-300 words for the product
- - Comment on the products value and effectiveness
- - Tell us if you like the product, but most importantly explain why you like or dislike it
- - Mention related products and how this one rates by comparison
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